Regarding the Sept. 23 news article “Westerwelle urges EU to engage Turkey,” I wonder if German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle thoroughly followed the events that led to the recent “yes” vote for Turkey’s intended constitutional changes.
It is advisable to understand the Ottoman mentality and modern Turkey as created by Ataturk. In a country run by pro-Islamists, has there really been an open debate about these constitutional changes? Has the West seen how the ruling AKP party has commandeered all the top media advertising, as well as the radio (which is indeed the voice of the present government) and TV? What about the reported threats to leading journalists who were trying, in a logical way, to convey the tricks underlying these constitutional changes?
I would strongly recommend that Mr. Westerwelle consider the Pope’s recent speech during his visit to the U.K., in which he noted that Europe is taking its secular approach a bit too far and would do well to look back to its roots.
I wonder if Mr. Westerwelle has forgotten the days when Turks used to slaughter animals on their balconies in the name of Islam. Does he think it would turn out well to have women covered from head to toe wandering towns and villages all over Germany?
Being Turkish and Muslim myself, I strongly object to Turkey joining the EU under the present circumstances and for a considerable time yet. A rather more limited partnership would be the best approach for now.
Tayfun Balkan
London
Source: The Wall Street Journal